Master of Science in Nursing (MSN Online) Degree

Why an Online MSN Degree?

The online Master of Science degree in nursing allows the nurse to explore an area of interest including management, education, population health, etc. The online MSN provides an advanced education in the area of expertise with the goal of achieving a nursing position in this specific field.

Format

The MSN is offered 100% online. Students can pursue the programs either full-time or part-time. Most courses are eight weeks in length. A few courses are 16 weeks.

MSN Options

The online graduate program in nursing is designed for working nurses who are interested in a masters degree to further careers in:

Nursing Education

Nursing Management/Administration

Population Health

School Nurse Endorsement

Career Opportunities

Nurse Educator - Hospital

Nurse Educator - Clinic

Nurse Educator - Community College

Nurse Manager - Charge Nurse

Nurse Manager - Unit Director

Nurse Manager - Director of Nursing

Nurse Manager - Chief Nurse Executive

Population Health - Hospice

Population Health - Home Health

Population Health - Leadership and Hospital Education

Population Health - Public Health Practices

Population Health - Nurse Navigators

Population Health - Case Managers

Population Health - Utilization Review

Population Health - Education

Practicums

Focused on your professional development, experiential learning opportunities are integrated throughout the MSN coursework*. MSN faculty will work with you to customize real and relevant experience-based learning options based on your career goals.

*150 total practicum hours in divided increments throughout MSN program.

Accreditation

The master's degree program in nursing at McKendree University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (https://www.aacnnursing.org/CCNE).

Required Course of Study

Core nursing courses required of all online MSN students (12 credits):

NSG 500 Evidence-based Practice in Healthcare (3 credits)

NSG 501 Health Policy and Legal Aspects in Healthcare (3 credits)

NSG 502 Ethics, Social Justice, Diversity, and Health Equity (3 credits)

NSG 650 Population Health and Epidemiology (3 credits)

Nursing Education Requirements

Nursing Education courses required (21 credits):

NSG 606 Advanced Health Assessment (3 credits)

NSG 609 Foundations of Nursing Education (3 credits)

NSG 615 Educational Methods and Strategies (3 credits)

NSG 616 Assessment and Evaluation in Nursing Education (3 credits)

NSG 617 Advanced Clinical Pathophysiology and Pharmacology (3 credits)

NSG 618 Nurse Educator Practicum and Scholarly Project (6 credits)

Nursing Management/Administration Requirements

Nursing Management/Administration courses required (21 credits):

NSG 600 Foundations of Nursing Management (3 credits)

NSG 601 Nursing Informatics (3 credits)

NSG 602 Human Behavior in Organizations (3 credits)

NSG 603 Management of Fiscal Systems (3 credits)

NSG 604 Quality, Safety, and Performance in Organizations (3 credits)

NSG 621 Nurse Manager Clinical Practicum and Scholarly Project (6 credits)

Population Health

Population Health courses required (21 credits):

NSG 604 Quality, Safety, and Performance in Organizations (3 credits)

NSG 651 Impacting Population Health and Wellness Across the Continuum (3 credits)

NSG 652 Foundations of Population Health (3 credits)

NSG 653 Leadership in Population Health (3 credits)

NSG 654 Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Prevention to Promote Individual and Population Outcomes (3 credits)

NSG 656 Advanced Population Health Practicum and Scholarly Project (6 credits)

Testimonials

“The McKendree University MSN program has provided me the opportunity to advance my career with the knowledge and preparation needed to lead impactful change. McKendree’ s high quality, dedicated, instructors and robust curriculum support the necessary skills and abilities for nurses to lead in an ever changing health care environment.” ~ Lleyna Gorka, ’20

“I highly encourage anyone thinking about getting their management degree to look at McKendree. The classes are small, the one-on-one sessions with the professors are so beneficial, and the online classroom atmosphere is nothing but positive.” ~ Megan Holtmann, ’16 MSN

“As a nursing professional, I found the McKendree MSN program flexible, accessible and manageable with work and home life. In addition, the MSN faculty are knowledgeable nursing scholars with a sincere concern about optimizing the success of their students and their respective areas of nursing practice.” ~ Reginald Randle, ’19 MSN

“McKendree nursing faculty are truly amazing and provide an excellent program. The classes are set up to allow for working adults to complete assignments and practicum hours with maximum efficiency.” ~ Travis Rath, ’20

Scholarship

McKendree is proud to announce the Diana Joyce Doros Scholarship, recognizing the critical role of nursing professionals in improving health outcomes for nurses without tuition reimbursement. The endowed scholarship fund makes available $5,000 awards divide over the duration of the program for students pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Population Health. The generous $750,000 endowed scholarship honors the life and legacy of the late Diana Joyce Doros. Please complete the scholarship application by July 15.

Application Process

McKendree University admits students who present evidence of their potential to complete graduate level work. Applicants are considered on an individual basis without regard to sex, race, disability, nationality, sexual orientation, or religion. The following documentation is required for consideration of admission:

1. A completed graduate admission application (no fee).

2. A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. The bachelor’s degree must be a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

3. An unencumbered valid Professional Registered Nurse license.

4. Official transcripts from each college or university attended. Official transcripts are those sent from institution to institution.

5. A minimum 3.0 GPA on a four-point scale in undergraduate studies.

6. A current resume or vita.

7. Three professional references.

8. Essay describing the personal and professional goals that will be met by completion of the degree.

9. Applicants who meet initial qualifications will be interviewed.